I’ve meant to blog about this ever since I first heard it. More about it in his book. A wonderful illustration on the ambiguities of language, and why we need to make sure we understand our users’ statements well.
| Statement | In contrast to |
| Mary had a little lamb | … it was hers, not someone else’s |
| Mary had a little lamb | … but she doesn’t have it anymore |
| Mary had a little lamb | … just one, not several |
| Mary had a little lamb | … it was very, very small |
| Mary had a little lamb | … not a goat, a chicken, etc |
| Mary had a little lamb | … but John still has his |
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